Bismarck brings balance to Sharks

The Sharks will be looking to Bismarck du Plessis to inspire a morale-boosting win over the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Boks to field potent mix

Heyneke Meyer has meticulously gone about ensuring that in World Cup year he has a powerful squad dynamic from which to choose, writes JON CARDINELLI in Sport Monthly.

Kiwis continue to dominate SA teams

South Africa's franchises have won just 29% of matches against New Zealand opposition in 2015. It's a record that may worsen in the coming weeks. JON CARDINELLI reports.

Sharks face fight for respect

Forget the play-offs. The Sharks will need to play out of their skins in Australasia just to restore their 2014 reputation. JON CARDINELLI reports.

Flip the surprise omission

The only surprise at the unveiling of the Springbok training squads was the omission of veteran lock Flip van der Merwe. JON CARDINELLI reports.

SA’s best fail to inspire hope

The disappointing derby at Newlands showed why South Africa’s best teams could be also-rans rather than genuine title contenders in the play-offs, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Duane denies Bulls

Duane Vermeulen blocked a last-minute drop goal attempt to help the Stormers beat the Vodacom Bulls 15-13 at Newlands. JON CARDINELLI reports.

Crusaders bulldoze Blues

The Crusaders cruised to a 29-15 bonus-point win against the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday. JON CARDINELLI reports.

Van Zyl must handle the heat

The outcome of the Newlands derby will depend on Piet van Zyl's performance in the face of some fierce Stormers defence, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Pressure on McCaw to produce

The Crusaders will be looking to Richie McCaw as well as several other All Blacks for a big performance against the Blues, writes JON CARDINELLI.